An eight-game, 16-team slate is on tap for Saturday across the NBA. Plenty of stars are set to take the floor, but there’s also several under the radar names worth watching. In other words, there’s value to be had for fantasy basketball managers. Here are three players that are being slept on tonight in DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
SG/SF Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards ($5,500)
The Wizards shocked fans and analysts alike when they decided to trade for Khris Middleton. Despite owning the NBA’s worst record, Washington decided to pick up the 33-year-old as part of February’s Kyle Kuzma trade with Milwaukee. So far, it’s been a good, not great, change of scenery for the veteran. Through nine games, Middleton has averaged 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
While those numbers don’t stand out, the newest Wizard has only received 24.4 minutes per game. That’s unlikely to change going forward on a squad with little to play for. Still, Middleton could find success quickly tonight vs. the Nuggets. This season, Denver has surrendered the seventh-most points (117.5) and most assists (29.2) per game, in addition to the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. With that in mind, Washington’s three-time All-Star could deliver a vintage performance on Saturday.
PF Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets ($4,900)
The Nuggets enter tonight’s contest vs. Washington as heavy favorites. Still, Denver lost the last time these two teams met in December, so this matchup is no guarantee. Other than Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the rest of this roster is a mixed bag. Poor health and underperformance have hampered several role players, including Aaron Gordon. Since February 1st, the power forward has posted 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
Gordon’s production can be somewhat erratic, making him a difficult player for fantasy basketball managers to trust. Still, that likely won’t matter on Saturday against the NBA’s worst team. This season, the Wizards have allowed the most points (122.4) and most rebounds (56.7) per game. Against an absolutely atrocious defense, there should be enough touches for every Denver starter to thrive. As long as this contest doesn’t get out of hand by halftime, Gordon is a nice bargain play tonight.
PG Jose Alvarado, New Orleans Pelicans ($4,500)
On a Pelicans team ravaged by injuries, Jose Alvarado has served as a much-needed distributor. The guard, known for his defensive skills, has enjoyed a career year on the other end of the floor. This season, he’s averaged 9.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game (23.5 FPTS).
New Orleans hasn’t always given Alvarado a spot in the starting lineup. Still, the 26-year-old usually manages to play between 25-30 minutes per game. Tonight, the Pels will take on an equally banged-up Spurs squad missing Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. Since the All-Star break, San Antonio owns the NBA’s second-worst defensive rating (124.0). In addition, the team has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. At such a low price, Alvarado could offer massive value in your fantasy lineups.
